The official customer service policy line is;
Paid for Seating Refunds Policy

If British Airways changes a customer’s paid for seat and the customer is not completely satisfied then they are entitled to a full refund of the amount paid for that respective seat – this includes involuntary downgrades. Also, if the customer pays for an upgrade and they do not wish to pay the difference to reselect their seat in the higher cabin they are entitled to a full refund. Further information can be found here: https:// http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...ating-changes- and-refunds.

Reason for Seat Change. Eligible for Refund of Paid Seating

Aircraft change Yes – if customer not satisfied with alternative seat

Flight cancelled Yes – if customer not satisfied with seat on new flight

Seat unserviceable Yes – if customer not satisfied with alternative seat offered

Customer unable to meet Yes
CAA regulations to sit in an exit row seat
and tells us more than
48 hours before departure

Customer pays for an upgrade Yes

Customer is downgraded Yes

Customer involuntarily upgraded No

Customer cancels their booking No

Customer unable to meet CAA regulations No
to sit in an exit row seat within
48 hours of departure

Customer changes flight and chooses
a lower priced seat on new flight No refund of difference in price


Given in this instance there has been an aircraft change then "Yes – if customer not satisfied with alternative seat" applies.